1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Interior Decorating

Glenna Morton
for About.com

Holiday Living Room Makeover

 
click below for more images

Living Room - Before
Judy Alto
 
 Email to a friend
 Printer friendly version

Related Resources
• Christmas Project List
• Holiday Decorating
• Seasonal Books

Elsewhere on the Web
• One Day Interior Makeovers
• Use What You Have
• Interior Arrangement and Design Assoc.

About Interior Decorating
Subscribe to the Free Newsletter
Your Email Address:

See photos of a dramatic living room redo

More than any other time of year the holidays are a time when we want our homes to look their best. And, while there isn't time to accomplish a major redecorating during the holidays, you may be able to pull off an instant makeover of one or two rooms in your home.

As a professional who specialize in home makeovers, Judy Alto (owner of Interior Arrangement and Design Association, she believes that most homeowners already have the furnishings and accessories needed to create a beautiful room. It just takes some planning and expertise to bring it all together.

Living Room "Before"

Take a look at this living room "Before" photo. While the furnishings look nice, the room seems a bit cold, unwelcoming, and frankly a little boring. There is a large empty area in the middle of the room, furniture lines the walls, and the pictures over the sofa seem a bit small for the space. What would you do with this living room? See the "After" photos by clicking on the photo, and read the designer's tips on the following pages.

If you'd like to try making over a room in your home, get help by reading designer tips and studying before and after photos. And even if you can't find a professional in your area, these tips can help you look at your furnishings in a new way and get you started rearranging.

  • Know your traffic patterns before moving furniture. If you always walk from the entry to the dining room doorway, avoid placing furniture in that natural walkway.

  • Pull your furniture into conversational groupings no larger than about 12' square. These areas should consist of a sofa or loveseat, coffee table, and at least 2 chairs (or another loveseat).

  • Arrange this grouping in front of your focal point (a fireplace, window, armoire, or art).

  • Place tables and lighting near each seating area. Ideally, each chair should have an accessible lamp and table.

  • Consider using furniture, rugs, and accessories from other parts of your home. Look for items that will fit into your new arrangement and have colors or themes that harmonize with the room.

  • Use color to harmonize the room. It brings various elements together, adds interest, and can be more welcoming that stark white.

  • Area rugs will anchor furniture arrangements. Rugs can define your space as well as add color and texture.

    Next: Page 2: The "After" with Judy Alto's design comments and tips

  • 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | next

    Explore Interior Decorating

    More from About.com

    1. Home
    2. Home & Garden
    3. Interior Decorating

    ©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.